Local female art collective, Stretford Stride is transforming a new unit on Stretford’s King Street into a colourful, ever-changing creative pop-up space “Work In Progress”

Opening on 15th November, the shop will become a D.I.Y store for creativity, focused on cementing the idea that art, play, and imagination are essential work – building our community from the inside out.

Work in Progress exterior | Stretford Stride Work In Progress

placeholder image — Work in Progress exterior | Stretford Stride Work In Progress

Visitors from the Stretford community and beyond are invited to pick up their creative tools and join the Stride workforce. Adding doodles, drawings, and ideas to creative ‘building materials’ that will transform oversized props (think giant traffic cones, oversized high-vis and a toolbox trolley) into artworks bursting with colour, humour and meaning.

The space will act as a living installation, growing and evolving with the artistic contributions of visitors. The whole community will also have the chance to celebrate the artwork on Saturday 29th November with a joyful street party, featuring local DJs, performances, a parade of community made creations and an after-party with Rainy Heart.

Stretford Stride Work In Progress | INGRID TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY

The full list of workshops and events coming to Work In Progress:

Make Your Mark on Stretford- Sat 15 Nov, 2.30–5pmIn this hands-on workshop, use creative ‘building materials’ as a base to add your own doodles, drawings and artistic ideas, collectively decorating giant cardboard traffic cones, toolbox trolleys, oversized high-vis vests with the imagination of Stretford. Drop in for free or see Eventbrite for more information. All materials provided.
Mask Makers - Sun 23 Nov, 1-3pmAdults-only free workshop to create giant cardboard masks for the finale – celebrating the people behind the place.See Eventbrite for more details and to secure your spot
Finale: Party Time, Stretford! - Sat 29 Nov 2-4pm (plus after party at Rainy Heart) A full-scale celebration featuring dancing brooms, toolboxes on wheels, high-vis glamour, and a parade down the new high street – followed by an after-party with Rainy Heart.See Eventbrite for more details

Liz Newell from Stretford Stride Collective said:“Work in Progress is about showing that creativity is a vital part of community life. Our ambition is to turn a blank canvas of a shop into a space that celebrates imagination and play as real work – the kind that shapes our places and brings people together.”

Abby Barker, Events and Community Manager from Bruntwood added:“We’re thrilled to welcome Work In Progress to our brand new high street in Stretford town centre. It’s a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on and celebrate all the local talent and creativity that Stretford has to offer. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful creations that come out of the pop-up and look forward to the parade on the 29th November.

Work In Progress is coming to Unit 100, King Street from 15th November 2025. Follow @StretfordStride and @stretfordtowncentre on Instagram for more information and updates